[MRCA] On Patrol Operation Report

[W2HX]

Hello friends,

I am on vacation in ocean isle beach, NC with the family. With me, I brought a Harris RF-3200ET fly away radio. I've been here since Saturday. For an antenna, I am using, for the first time, a Hygain TD-1 aka HA-4000 tape measure dipole pulled out to about a 40 meter operating length.  This is the first time using this antenna so I wasn't sure how/if it would work. The radio has a coupler built in so that should help assure a good match up and down the band.

Unfortunately between in-laws, spectacular lightning storms, miniature golf with the kids and poor propagation, I haven't been very productive on the air. Tonight I finally had some time so I tried to call into the 40M USB net but signals were non-existent. I figured it was me, this radio and/or this new antenna which is simply attached to the ceiling of a 2nd floor porch and the ends sloping down to 5 feet above ground here at the house we have rented.

After abject failure with the 40m net, I tuned around and was able to make contact with KY, and CT. So I was a little encouraged with decent signal reports (125W radio). Then the real fun began. On 7.143, I made contact with Germany, Austria and Italy and all gave nothing short of 57 signal report! Well, now I am pumped once again.

So listen out for me! (where? I don't know, but 40 meters might work)

73 Eugene W2HX



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